…say Nigeria in danger of one-party tendencies
Seven political parties, led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have pointed out troubling lapses in Nigeria’s political and social landscape and resolved to strengthen the opposition as a way to effect controls.
The parties indicated that their mission is to present a strong, objective and coordinated platform for constructive criticism of government, to build barriers to arbitrary tendencies by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and to safeguard the liberty and rights of all Nigerians.
The cooperation, known as the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties (CCPP), comprises the PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Allied Movement (PAM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The movement is prompted and led by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, presidential flag-bearer of the PDP in the February 25, 2023 election.
The opposition group held its inaugural meeting Wednesday at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party.
Atiku Abubakar had said over and again that the country was in danger of falling into the predicament of a one-party state, adding that there was a need to have a strong opposition in place to effect balancing and controls.
The group of seven opposition parties raised questions about instability in the country and urged the judiciary to stand firm and upright and rid itself of political and executive interference.
“We looked into the issue of the judiciary. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man if it still stands,” National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Musa Gabam, said.
“We are worried about the level of instability the country is going through. If you look at recent developments in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau States, it is very clear that the judiciary must exercise extreme caution with some of its decisions.
“The judiciary should strengthen their conviction towards delivering judgements that can stand the test of time.
They should not allow we politicians to infiltrate their rank, sanity, and capacity to deliver judgments that are internationally sound and can be recognised,” Gabam said.
Gabam clarified that the cooperation was not a merger of parties.
Acting National Secretary of the PDP, Setonji Koshoedo, said the coalition would present a strong opposition for the purpose of balancing and controls.
National Chairman of the ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, said the coalition had a role to play in strengthening democracy in Nigeria and preventing the party in government from stifling the opposition from carrying out its role of effecting checks and balances.
